PPolySim OS
For Engineers · Differential Drive

Differential Drive for a soft robot

Built for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed. Simulate a soft robot live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

Differential Drive RobotLive

Controls

Presets

A differential-drive robot steers by spinning its two wheels at different speeds — like a tank. Equal speeds go straight, a difference curves the path, and opposite speeds spin in place. Its forward speed is the average of the wheels and its turn rate is their difference over the wheelbase.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Forward v2.50
Turn rate ω0.030
Turn radius83

Governing equation

Reading this result: The faster right wheel pushes the robot into an arc that curves toward the slower left side, with radius set by how close the two speeds are.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

or unlock everything with Pro →

More with Differential Drive

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for engineers?
Yes — this version of "Differential Drive for a soft robot" is framed for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.